The best time to visit Cartagena, Colombia is from December to April, when the weather is relatively dry and sunny with low rainfall.
Cartagena de Indias, to use its full name, is a beautiful old walled city located on Colombia’s Caribbean coast, with a typically tropical climate. The dry season runs from December to April, with a rainier period between May and November.
The city lies on the very edge of the hurricane belt, and as it’s so far south in the Caribbean, is rarely affected by tropical storms. Essentially, there’s no bad time to visit. Come in the dry season for blue skies and endless opportunities to capture the city’s dazzling colors in photos, or visit in the rainy season when there are fewer crowds and enjoy the sense of space.
Visiting Cartagena, Colombia by Season
Summer
Cartagena, Colombia
June, July, and August are rainy season months in Cartagena when the weather is hot and humid. Expect average daily temperatures of 84.2°F (29°C) and, as the season progresses, a considerable amount of rain. August, for example, receives 4.9 inches (125mm), falling over on average over 13 days. There’s still a fair amount of sunshine, though, with an average of 6.5 hours daily throughout the summer months.
Fall
Cartagena’s rainy season continues through the fall. Rainfall peaks in October when an average of 9.1 inches (230mm) can be expected. Temperatures are consistently high, hovering at an average of 83.4°F (28.6°C) in October.
By November, the peak storm season has passed and rainfall begins to ease off. Visitor numbers begin to pick up as the winter season approaches. The humidity remains high, so pace yourself and remain hydrated as you explore the old city, as the heat can be draining.
Winter
Old Town in Cartagena, Colombia
There’s really very little temperature variation in Cartagena throughout the year; it’s the humidity that changes. Winter brings much more stable, less humid weather. Rainfall drops right down to the extent that, in January and February, there’s barely any precipitation at all. This is the best time to go to Cartagena, although it may also be busy.
Spring
March, April, and May are still excellent months to visit Cartagena. March is still peak season, with virtually no rainfall, while April and May can be regarded as shoulder season months. The weather begins to change around May, which receives 4.5 inches (115mm) of rain.
When Is Rainy Season?
Cartagena’s rainy season lasts from May to November, with a distinct peak in October. But rainy season doesn’t mean that it rains all day long. Instead, expect higher humidity that’s broken by short, sharp showers, usually in the afternoon. This can still be a good time to visit; the old city looks especially atmospheric when it’s slick with rain, and you’ll encounter fewer crowds.
When Is High Season?
Beach near Cartagena, Colombia
High season in Cartagena, as with much of the Caribbean, is the relatively dry months of December to March. December is a particularly magical month to visit, with the whole city festooned in Christmas decorations and lights, and days of music, prayer, Christmas food, and gift-giving. December sees the beginning of a spell of hot, mainly dry days, perfect for strolling the old city and enjoying the nearby beaches.
When Is Shoulder Season?
Shoulder season in Cartagena is the time when the weather transitions from dry to wet, and vice versa. May and June can be regarded as shoulder season months, as the humidity increases and rainfall is more likely. November, at the end of the Caribbean’s hurricane season, is when rainfall is decreasing significantly from the October peak.
Around Thanksgiving and before the Christmas rush can be the ideal time to visit Cartagena. Or come earlier, for the November 11 Independence Day celebrations, a time of feasting, parades, parties, and live music.
When Is Low Season?
Low season in Cartagena, as in much of the Caribbean, is the summer months, when there’s more rainfall and high humidity. July to October is the quietest time. But Cartagena is a thriving, dynamic city, so there will be cultural events and activities all year round, not just in the peak season.
Cartagena Cathedral, Colombia
Experience the rich culture of this wonderful old city on one of Celebrity’s cruises to Cartagena, Colombia.
